Naim Qassem, the deputy general secretary of Hezbollah, has reportedly fled Lebanon for Iran due to fears of an assassination attempt by Israel. A report from UAE-based Erem News, citing an Iranian source, revealed that Qassem departed Beirut on October 5. He reportedly travelled aboard an aircraft Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi used during a state visit to Lebanon and Syria.

This strategic move is believed to have been orchestrated by the Islamic Republic’s leadership, prompted by heightened concerns for Qassem’s safety following Israel’s intensified strikes on Hezbollah leadership amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas.

The source further added that Qassem had made multiple speeches since the assassination of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah by Israel on September 27, with two of those addresses being delivered from Tehran.

Qassem, one of Hezbollah’s founding members, has taken on an increasingly public role since Nasrallah’s death. His deep-rooted political involvement dates back to his time with the Lebanese Shi’ite Amal Movement, which he left following the Iranian Revolution in 1979. He played a key role in the meetings that led to the establishment of Hezbollah in 1982, a group backed by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in response to Israel’s invasion of Lebanon.

This development marks a significant moment in the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict, with Israel reportedly having killed several Hezbollah leaders since the start of its war with Hamas. The relocation of Qassem to Iran signals escalating regional tensions, raising questions about Hezbollah’s future leadership and strategy.

As the conflict continues, the international community will be closely watching Iran’s role in providing safe haven to key Hezbollah figures, further complicating the already volatile geopolitical situation in the Middle East.